About

Cydonia oblonga 'Iranian' is a compact, deciduous tree characterized by its rounded form. In spring, it produces solitary flowers that are pale pink and white, thriving after a period of cooler temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. By autumn, the tree bears large, pear-shaped fruits that emit a strong fragrance and are notably edible when harvested directly from the tree. The young leaves and fruits are covered in a soft, silvery-grey fuzz. Due to the intense aroma of the quince, it is advisable to store the fruit separately from other varieties to prevent flavor contamination.

About the genus

Cydonia consists of sizable deciduous shrubs featuring simple, ovate foliage. The plants produce bowl-shaped flowers with five petals, which can be pink or white. After flowering, they bear fruits resembling pears, which are suitable for consumption once they mature.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Clay, Loam
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Plant type
Fruit Edible
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden
Fragrance
Flower, Fruit

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a warm, sheltered spot as flowers are susceptible to frost and warm conditions are needed for the fruit to ripen well. Tolerant of a wide range of soils, but will do best where soil is deep and moisture retentive, so long as it is not prone to waterlogging. See quince cultivation
Pruning
Pruning group 1
Propagation
Propagate by grafting or by semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to caterpillars and aphids
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to quince leaf blight, brown rot, fireblight, powdery mildews and honey fungus